Aster plant named `Sunbird`

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of Aster plant named Sunbird, characterized by its purple flower color, yellow tubular disc florets, relatively large leaves, tall flower stems, and a flower diameter of approximately 35 mm.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Asterplant, botanically known as Aser ericoides, hereinafter referred to bythe cultivar name Sunbird.

The new cultivar was originated from a cross made in a controlledbreeding program by the inventor Klara Dehan in Mishmar Hashiva, Israel.

Both the female, or seed, and the male, or pollen parents were cultivarsof Aster ericoides which are unknown at this time. Both parents areproprietary lines used exclusively for breeding.

Sunbird was discovered and selected by the inventor as a flowering plantwithin the progeny of the stated cross in a controlled environment inMishmar Hashiva, Israel. Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar byleaf cuttings performed by the inventor at Mishmar Hashiva, Israel hasdemonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosedfor the new cultivar are firmly fixed and retained through successivegenerations of asexual reproduction.

Sunbird has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations inenvironment such as temperature, light intensity and daylength, without,however, any variation in genotype. The following observations,measurements and values describe the new cultivar as grown in MishmarHashiva, Israel under conditions which closely approximate thosegenerally used in commercial practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of Sunbird which in combination distinguishthis Aster as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Intensive purple flower color.

2. Yellow tubular disc florets.

3. Relatively large leaves.

4. Tall flowering stems, with somewhat larger laterals near bottombecoming shorter near top, producing a conical shape jaundice at thetop.

5. Flowers which are approximately 35 mm in diameter when fully open.

The new cultivar can be compared to the aster Sunram. Similarcharacteristics are ray floret color, foliage color, and good branching.Sunbird is distinguished from Sunram by its slightly larger flowerdiameter, more flat flower form, shorter plant height, and its widerflower petals.

The accompaning color photographic drawing illustrates a portion of atypical specimen plant of the new cultivar, with partially open andcompletely open flowers being illustrated. The photo accurately depictsthe true ray floret color for Sunbird. The color values noted below arecorrect.

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.), except where general colorsof ordinary significance are referred to. Color values were taken in themorning in Mishmar Hashiva, Israel.

Classification:

Botanical.--Aster ericoides Hybrid cv. Sunbird.

Commercial.--Daisy-like spray or garden variety.

Parentage:

Male parent.--Unknown seedling of Aster ericoides.

Female parent.--Unknown seedling of Aster ericoides.

Propagation: The new cultivar holds its distinguishing characteristicsthrough successive propagations by leaf cuttings.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Capitulum:

Form.--Daisy, round, flat to cup-shaped.

Type.--Semi-double, with 1.5 rows of petals.

Diameter across face.--Approximately 35 mm.

B. Corolla of ray florets:

Color (general tonality from a distance of three meters).--Purple.

Color (upper surface).--77B.

Color (under surface).--77B.

Shape.--Florets are generally narrow and oblong, with apex rounded;slightly concave.

C. Corolla of disc florets:

Color (mature).--3A.

Diameter of disc.--1 cm.

D. Flowering period.--When field grown in natural season, plants plantedin June will flower in September. In winter greenhouse production,preferred culture includes approximately four weeks of long-daytreatment after pinching until the stems elongate to approximately 10cm, followed by short days. From the start of short days, floweringoccurs in approximately 7 weeks in the fall and 9 weeks in the winter.

E. Reproductive organs:

Androecium.--Stamens present on both ray and disc florets and yellow incolor; pollen is yellow and found only in the winter season in Israel.

Gynoecium.--Present on disc florets; green in color.

PLANT

A. General appearance: Excellent branching and tall, strong stems resultin an abundance of flowers; height of main stem is approximately 75 cm.

B. Foliage:

Color.--139A.

Shape.--Linear, wth occasional downward reflexing at the tip.

Size.--typical leaves at upper part of plant (80% from base) are 95 mmin length and 19 mm in width; leaves at bottom of plant (20%) from base)are 100 mm in length and 30 mm in width.

Margin.--Entire.

Arrangement.--Alternate, with angle acute.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Aster plant named Sunbird, asillustrated and described.